STANDING UP TO THREATS TO THE FREEDOM OF RESEARCH AND TEACHING
Freedom of science is protected from political interference by Article 5, Paragraph 3 of the
German Basic Law (GG) and is guaranteed worldwide as a human right. It is an indispensable
component of democratic states and their political order. Against the backdrop of German
history, this freedom must be honoured, defended and constantly realized anew as the
inviolable foundation of our democracy. Any interference in academic structures and the
freedom of research not only damages academic institutions and their international
reputation; it also causes considerable damage to democracy as a whole. The freedom of
science is inseparably linked to the freedom of society, because without it there is neither
innovation nor progress – both of which are based on research.
On January 18, 2025, Alice Weidel announced at the AfD party conference that a
government under her leadership would close all gender studies institutions. “We will throw
out all these professors,” said Weidel. In doing so, she substantiates her programmatic
rejection of an entire discipline and threatens to intervene massively in the freedom of
research and teaching. These statements are not only unconstitutional, but also deeply anti-
democratic. An attack on gender studies sets a precedent that can be extended at will to
other academic disciplines and fields of work.
The independence of science applies without restriction to all areas of research. It ensures
that scientific progress is possible and forms the basis for the future viability of democracy
and pluralism. Constructive, objective criticism and open discussion of research and teaching
among the general public are just as important components of this progress as science
communication. We unequivocally reject any attempts to discredit or threaten individual
researchers, research groups or disciplines. Hostility to science and hostility to intellectuals
are central features of authoritarian politics that undermine society’s trust in science.
We condemn any threats against researchers, whether in the field of gender studies or in
other disciplines. We reaffirm our conviction that the autonomy of science and universities is
crucial to the democratic system. Attacks on academic freedom are attacks on democracy
itself.
German original version by Fachgesellschaft Geschlechterstudien